Pony rides at Griffith Park: dueling protests held as popular attraction closes

GRIFFITH PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Dueling protests took place in Griffith Park on Sunday over the controversial decision to end pony rides after more than 70 years.

The rides are closing this week, but many families are hoping they will be saved.

Some brought their young children for a final ride on Sunday.

Though the attraction will be closed, animal rights activists say that’s not enough.

They want the owner to be investigated after the deaths of four older ponies.

The owner says the four ponies that died that year were retired, no longer involved in the rides and died of old age or illness.

He says all ponies are loved and well cared for.

Activists want them to go to a sanctuary, but they are adopted into a new home.

The rides will close starting Thursday after the contract with the city expired, but the city says the attraction is undergoing a makeover.